Free hands-on event to spread education on monarch butterflies
DECATUR, Ill. – Milkweed toxins permanently remain in the monarch butterfly’s system, which causes animals that eat them to become sick and serves as a way to protect monarchs from predators. Learn additional information about the monarch butterfly in a fun and hands-on approach at Monarch...
Become a Master Gardener and help others grow
DECATUR, Ill. — Do you have an interest in gardening, a desire to share your knowledge with others, and time to volunteer in the community? The University of Illinois Extension’s Master Gardener volunteer program serving DeWitt,...
Enrich your knowledge and your soil at free composting event
CLINTON, Ill. – Composting is becoming more common and the list of known benefits is growing. Composting reduces landfill waste, enriches soils, improves crop yields, and more. But how do you start and what should or shouldn’t be composted? Compost with Confidence will answer those questions....
Go back in time with free historical cottage garden tour
BEMENT, Ill. – Take a journey back in time to the site where, according to Bryant family tradition, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas planned the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. Experience the rich history of the Bryant Cottage, built by Francis E. Bryant, with a stroll through the...
Learn how to make your landscape attractive to pollinators
CLINTON, Ill. – Imagine a world with no coffee or chocolate. Those are just two of the crops that rely on pollinators. Pollinators are a critical part of our ecosystem and they are in decline. Home gardeners can help by being strategic in the flowers, shrubs, and trees they plant.
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Learn about heirloom gardening and native plants at free garden tour
DECATUR, Ill. – Did you know Rock Springs is home to multiple gardens? These gardens are cooperative efforts of Macon County Conservation District, Master Gardeners, and Master Naturalists. Enjoy a lovely evening stroll to...
Learn how to grow great tomatoes and tour community garden
MONTICELLO, Ill. – We have all been there, wanting to make fresh salsa, a BLT, or simply having a juicy red tomato to slice for burgers. You head to the store and the selection or quality is not near what you hoped. You settle for what is available and the flavor suffers. Settle no more....
Free event to tour Crossing Garden and learn about composting
DECATUR, Ill. – Have you been struggling with soil quality, plant diseases, or pests? Composting may be the answer you are looking for. Explore the expansive Crossing Healthcare Garden that is bursting with produce. See the different techniques implemented at the garden, including the...
Cicada killer wasps in search of cicadas, not humans
URBANA, Ill. — The annual cicadas have begun to sing their song, and along with them comes the emergence of their natural predator, the cicada killer wasp. Despite their large size, these pollinating giants are not as threatening as they first seem. Annual cicadas, also...
Master gardeners to answer questions in-person at the farmer's market
MONTICELLO, Ill. – There is so much information available at our fingertips. How do you know which advice to follow? University of Illinois Extension is here to alleviate uncertainty by providing research-based answers to your questions.
“Our skilled and knowledgeable Piatt County...
Take the electric pressure cooker out of the box, help is here
DECATUR, Ill.— Busy families looking to save time and stress are purchasing electric pressure cookers, a safer alternative to the traditional stovetop pressure cooker. But while electric pressure cookers might be safer, learning how to use them is often a daunting task.
Illinois...
Is your teen looking for an outlet to discuss social justice issues?
DECATUR, Ill.— Does your teen have a passion for social justice issues around the world? Are they looking for an outlet to discuss their views, while learning from those with differing frames of reference? The Global Social Justice Book Club provides teens a safe space to deeply engage with...
Keep an eye out for invasive jumping worms in the garden
URBANA, Ill. – After a long winter, Illinois gardeners are eager for the new growing season. While doing the usual preparations and tasks, home gardeners should be aware of an invasive species wriggling across the Midwest – the jumping worm.
Jumping worms are non-native earthworms that...
DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Extension are excited to welcome the public to the 4-H shows
CLINTON, Ill.— From cupcakes to cattle, dogs to drones, 4-H does it all. The culmination of these projects and programs are the 4-H shows. The Horse Show, Livestock Show, and General Project Show support the talents of hundreds of area youth.
After having a virtual show in 2020...
Learn how to grow fresh herbs and the ways to use them
CLINTON, Ill. – Sight, smell, taste, and touch. Growing and using herbs awaken nearly all our senses. Explore the culinary, aromatic, and ornamental value that herbs offer with a free in-person workshop.
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